Delirious

Les Galantine is a down on his luck photographer who chases the shimmer of celebrity rather than real talent. He befriends Toby Grace, a homeless young man with an appetite for acting and a craving to be seen. When Toby crosses paths with K'Harma Leeds, the hottest pop star of the moment, a spark of possibility lights up all three lives. The dynamic between the aspiring actor, the fame hungry photographer, and the pop icon turns tense as desire, ambition and pride collide. The jealous creeps in and a reckless plan forms, drawing everyone into a web where power and vulnerability collide. Les finds himself juggling admiration, resentment and the messy pull of a world where image often matters more than truth. The film dives into the gray areas of ambition without giving its characters easy absolutes, keeping the tension rooted in character rather than spectacle.

Directed by Tom DiCillo, Delirious presents a dark comical take on fame through Buscemi, Pitt, Lohman, Gina Gershon and Elvis Costello, with a string of offbeat appearances. Released in 2007, the film roots its humor in sharp character dynamics and a satirical look at celebrity culture. It arrived in limited theaters and later found life on home video, relying on momentum from its performances to connect with an audience.

The film did not garner major awards or widespread nominations, a fate common to many limited release titles. Still, it attracted attention for its offbeat premise and the performances of Buscemi and Lohman, earning a modest critical footprint rather than trophy glory. Its modest awards footprint mirrors its niche appeal, drawing cinephiles who appreciate character driven satire.

Delirious nods to the paparazzi era and the way fame warps perception, offering a sly mirror of media driven culture. The film's meta elements and Elvis Costello cameo contribute to a small but notable footprint in indie cinema circles, prompting discussions about art and spectacle. It also influenced later indie projects that blend humor with social critique of celebrity culture.

Critics generally saw a sharp if uneven satire about ambition, exploitation, and the ethics of looking at others for inspiration. The performances anchor the film, giving humanity to a story that toys with desire, power and the cost of chasing fame. Viewers who enjoy sharp mood swings and morally gray characters may find it rewarding, while others may wish for a tighter through line.